After facing years of turmoil both on and off the silver screen, Bollywood actor John Abraham has finally tasted an extraordinary victory, not in cinema, but in the world of sports. NorthEast United FC, the football club he passionately backs, has claimed its maiden Durand Cup title. This victory comes as a monumental achievement for the team and its proud owner, marking a historic moment in Indian football. The thrilling final match against the defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant took place at the prestigious Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, and the drama that unfolded on the field was nothing short of cinematic.
John Abraham’s journey with NorthEast United FC began in 2013 when the club was established. Since its inception, the actor has been the driving force behind the team, providing not just financial backing, but also an emotional anchor. Despite enduring a decade of losses and disappointments, Abraham remained steadfast in his commitment to the team. His resilience was rewarded on that fateful night in Kolkata when NorthEast United FC finally lifted its first piece of silverware in Indian football history. The winning prize of Rs 60,00,000 was a cherry on top, with the runners-up Mohun Bagan Super Giant receiving Rs 30,00,000.
“I built this Club from scratch. I nearly cry when we used to lose matches,” said an emotional John Abraham. His poignant words, shared widely on social media, reflect the emotional and financial investment he has poured into the club. “This man totally deserved it,” exclaimed a tweet that captured the sentiment of many fans and supporters who have followed his roller-coaster journey.
The club was not just any football team; it was a representation of the eight northeastern states of India – Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Mizoram. John Abraham’s wife, Priya Runchal, serves as the chairperson, making the club a family affair built on passion and dedication. Yet the road to this victory was far from smooth. In an earlier interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, John discussed the daunting challenges he faced. “Bureaucracy has destroyed Indian football. But every year I face a huge loss. I am an individual owner, and all the other teams are owned by multi-billion dollar corporates. So it is very difficult for me to compete,” he confessed.
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Despite these challenges, Abraham’s unwavering devotion to the club never wavered. He spoke of his dreams and aspirations, “I want to present my football team with a lot of pride. I feel bad and nearly cry when we keep losing. I love this football team and I’ve created it from scratch. I hope the government backs me.” These heartfelt comments resonated deeply with fans and football aficionados who took to social media to congratulate him.
“Respect for John Abraham, he has done more for Indian Football than many corporate and people in power have done. This success means a lot to him and NorthEast United FC,” tweeted one fan, encapsulating the widespread admiration for the actor-turned-football-club-owner. Another netizen added, “Despite a decade of setbacks, John Abraham stood tall and backed NorthEast United FC. He has finally achieved the recognition he deserves. Persistence pays off. Here’s to continued success! What a Historic Night.”
While Abraham celebrated the football club’s victory, his career on the big screen also saw a recent development with the release of the action-thriller ‘Vedaa’. However, the film, starring Sharvari and Tamannaah Bhatia, did not fare well at the box office. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, ‘Vedaa’ tells the story of a young woman who fights against the status quo with the help of a former soldier, portrayed by Abraham. Despite its underwhelming performance in theaters, the film showcased Abraham’s versatility and dedication to telling powerful stories.
Nevertheless, it was the triumph in the Durand Cup that truly revived Abraham’s spirits. The actor had managed to achieve something monumental in the sports arena, a domain fraught with its own set of challenges and rewards. For him and NorthEast United FC, the victory was not just a win on the scoreboard but a testament to perseverance, commitment, and the indomitable human spirit.
As the celebrations continue, John Abraham’s story stands as an inspiring tale of resilience and passion. A decade of setbacks has only made this victory sweeter, and the future looks promising for NorthEast United FC under the vigilant gaze of its dedicated owner.
